Openly creating, believing and sharing perspectives with hope and humor.

Destined for Greatness

Today started out just like any other day, me dreading going into work, unsure of what was waiting for me other than drama. As I fought against the negative thoughts that were beginning to consume me, I knew I needed to do something to lift my spirits before all was lost. After I ended a phone conversation with a student who made a reference to me being named after the little mermaid, prompting me to correct her, letting her know that I was here first. And the red headed fish was in actuality named after me, I decided to look up the meaning of my name. I’d looked up the meaning of Ariel before, but because I love the meaning of my name so much, I knew that it would definitely help me turn my day around. Ariel means, “Lion of God”! How amazing is that??? Plus to top it off, my birthday is at the end of July, therefore making me a Leo. You can’t get any better than that, or so I thought.

Feeling my mood begin to elevate, I decided to look up the meaning of my middle name, Elizabeth. This name was passed down to me by my mother, which was passed down to her by my grandmother. I am honored to share such a beautiful name with such amazing women. And to bring my rambling full circle, depending on the translation, Elizabeth means, “God’s promise,” “oath of God”, or “I am God’s daughter,” which I think I like the best.

So as I set at my desk in awe, it hits me. With a name like mine, I am destined for greatness. Please know that I am not saying that I am superior to anyone else, or tooting my own horn when it comes to my writing, I am simply stating the facts. There is truth to the belief that there is power in a name. And I thank my parents for blessing me with such a name. It makes me proud, and feels me with joy, while reminding me that no matter what I am going through in my present circumstance, that I will get through this, because I am God’s daughter, I am more than a conqueror, and I, Ariel Elizabeth Driskell, am destined for greatness.